IT is important for team-mates to share a close bond before going into a cup final - but it is not normally this close. 

Father-son duo Michael (40) and Joseph Hermida (16) will be playing together in the Kirkby Lonsdale Reserves team against Arnside and Milnthorpe FC on Saturday, May 4 at Frenchfield Park in Penrith. Michael works as a teacher, and Joseph is in his first year of a college in Preston. They live in Burton in Kendal having originally come from Bolton. 

The game has a 5.30pm kick off and is for the Austin Wren Trophy. 

Michael plays centre half and Joseph is on the wing. He said one key difference between the two are the players and the type of football they idolise. Michael said that he looked up to Roy Keane when he was Joseph's age, whereas Joseph is into a more 'technical' style of football.

The pair have been playing for the team during a good period. "There's an outside chance of getting promoted," Michael said. 

"I'm incredibly proud [of him]. It's a dream of mine to play with him alone, never mind get to final and hopefully win it.

"We both come out most games. He will be a much better player than I ever was. He's technical-minded, different type of play," he said. 

Michael says that when they are at home they discuss football 'all the time.' "We talk about the technical side of the team, where we are strong," he said. 

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"The whole club is fantastic - the way they have welcomed him in. In the changing rooms I try not to be dad. The older players have taken him under their wing." 

Joseph started playing when he was around five years old, Michael said. "From the start he always had a ball at his feet." 

Kirkby Lonsdale Reserves play in Division 4 of the Westmorland Association Football League, and are second only to Penrith AFC Royal in the table. According to the FA website, the reserves played Arnside and Milnthorpe Town on 24 April and won 2-1, with Joseph starting and Michael on the subs bench.